It is understood that Derham, who began her broadcasting career at the corporation, will front the BBC's coverage of the Proms for BBC2 and Radio 3. A spokesman for Radio 3 confirmed the appointment but declined to give any further details.

Derham's return to the BBC comes two days after ITV confirmed that The One Show presenter, Adrian Chiles, is moving the other way to present GMTV and the broadcaster's football World Cup coverage.

Derham's appointment is expected to be confirmed tomorrow. Staff at ITV News producer ITN were told about the move earlier today.

Derham, who turns 40 in June, presents ITV1's lunchtime news bulletin and also fronts the regional news opt-out London Tonight with Donal MacIntrye.

A classical music enthusiast, she has hosted the Classical Brit Awards several times.

Derham started out as a researcher on Radio 4's personal finance programme Money Box and became a reporter on BBC1's Film 96 and 97, then presented by Barry Norman.

She joined ITN initially as arts and media editor, covering showbiz events around the world. As a presenter she has anchored coverage of royal weddings and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

She also presents Travellers' Tree on Radio 4 and has hosted the Hall of Fame concert on Classic FM for the last seven years.

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.

• If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".